The exclusive objectives of the Association are to advance the science of ichthyology by stimulating interest in and encouraging study of freshwater livebearing fishes, including the families Poeciliidae, Anablepidae, Goodeidae and Hemirhamphidae; to gather information concerning livebearers; to publish a journal on a regular basis containing original and other educational articles covering livebearers and their maintenance and breeding; to provide a means for exchange of information among individuals; to further the preservation of livebearers through both conservation of their natural habitats and an ongoing program of breeding and maintenance of individual livebearer species and varieties; and to provide a means for the purchase, sale and exchange of livebearers by individuals.